Grbavica Stadium celebrates 73 years in Sarajevo

The Grbavica Stadium in Sarajevo, the home of football club FK Željezničar, marks its 73rd anniversary today. Officially opened on September 13, 1953, the stadium hosted its first official match on this date, where Željezničar defeated Šibenik 4-1.

Known among fans as ‘Dolina ćupova’, the stadium was originally built through voluntary labor actions initiated by club members and railway workers in the late 1940s. Over the decades, the facility has undergone various expansions, including the construction of concrete stands on the south and east sides and the north stand following the club's 1985 UEFA Cup semi-final appearance.

The stadium holds significant historical weight due to its role during the aggression in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Located on the front lines, the facility suffered extensive damage; the western wooden stand was burned on May 4, 1992, and the pitch was covered in mines. Following the reintegration of Grbavica in March 1996, club workers, fans, and citizens collaborated to clear debris, assist in demining, and rebuild the stadium. The first post-war match took place on May 2, 1996, resulting in a 1-1 draw against local rival FK Sarajevo.